Parañaque gov’t to build ‘people’s market’ for displaced Baclaran vendors
MANILA, Philippines — Parañaque City mayor Edwin Olivarez on Thursday said they will build a “people’s market” across the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran for the 2,000 illegal vendors who were displaced in clearing operations in the city.
Olivarez said the proposed market has been approved by the Metro Manila Council, as well as by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Olivarez explains that kiosks will be built within the 60 meter by 300 meter area located along Roxas Boulevard for the displaced illegal vendors.
“Ang ating permanent solution ito po’y inaprubahan na ng Metro Manila Council, yung ating water channel sa tapat ng Redemptionist Church, mayroon tayong water channel doon,” Olivarez said at the launching of the Project Express Lane Operation at the Parañaque City Hall.
“Maglalagay tayo ng architectural tent tapos maglalagay tayo ng kiosk kiosk para po sa 2,000 vendors nating ilalagay,” he added.
A loading and unloading zone, overhead pedestrian crossing, and a Light Rail Transit terminal station will also be built in the area to help buyers and the vendors.
“Lahat ng ating vendors doon na po natin permanently at magiging legal na po silang vendors,” Olivarez said.
Olivarez has yet to disclose the date for the completion of the project but for now, he said the displaced vendors were relocated to vacant private establishments in Baclaran.
The mayor added that he has also talked with Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade if the other displaced vendors can be transferred to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
“Ang initially pong ginawa natin ‘yung mga private commercial area po don yung mga bakanteng space para doon po muna natin ilagay sila immediately, para mayroon tayong alternative immediately. Kasi hindi natin kailangan yung next six months, hindi natin kailangan na next one year, hindi naman pwedeng hindi kakain yang mga taong yun,” Olivarez explained.
A clearing operation was held in Baclaran last July 30 in coordination with the MMDA, and the local government units of Parañaque City and Pasay City.
This came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered local chief executives to remove obstructions from their cities’ roads within 60 days. /muf
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